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DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
- Undergraduate
- Honors Thesis
Writing Tips for Theses
Tips for writing a thesis proposal.
1. Find an area (or subfield) that interests you.
Look for a topic that combines personal excitement with scholarly potential. Does your past work at Northwestern reflect themes that run through the choices you have made? Do you find yourself selecting classes on a general topic or returning to a subject repeatedly? Is there a question or an event that has really captured your attention, or something happening in the world that appears puzzling and that you would like to make sense of?
2. Transforming a topic into a research question
Most first efforts at formulating a research topic are either too specific or too broad.
Questions that are too specific have a yes, no, or fairly easily reached empirical question. Examples of too specific questions include: Why was smoking in restaurants banned? What led to President Nixon’s near impeachment?
Broad questions, by contrast, lack focus and need to be narrowed and framed in a way that makes the topic researchable. The quickest way to make progress is to write a paragraph about the topic, and take it to Political Science faculty member to discuss.
As you reflect, ask yourself what specific concerns led you to the general issue? How did you first see the problem? What events stand out? Around what cases do the discussions revolve? Was there an important book, newspaper article or lecture that piqued your interest? Is there a recurrent argument about current affairs? Formulate questions with these specific facts in mind. Talk with others about the topic, including political science faculty members and TAs.
3. Formulate a research question in a way that widens its appeal.
Merely exploring a topic because it interests you is not enough; the thesis must pose a question that subsequent research attempts to answer or resolve. This question should be framed in a general way that highlights its importance. “Why was John Roberts confirmed to be a judge on the US Supreme Court” is probably too specific. It would be better to ask “What factors lead to success or failure in the confirmation of Supreme Court Justices?” You may end up answering this question by looking at confirmation hearings across time or by a comparison of just two nominees. The key is that the question is important in its own right and that answering it provides insight that is useful beyond the specifics of the case.
Even with a carefully posed question, you still need to highlight its importance. Explain why it matters whether or not someone is confirmed for the US Supreme Court, and explain why confirmation is problematic enough to be worth 60 to 100 pages of analysis.
More advice on selecting a thesis topic and crafting a proposal are available at the following website:
http://www.charleslipson.com/How-to-write-a-thesis.htm
Concerning the Form of the Thesis
The watchword for writing a long research paper is structure . The format of your paper should reveal the structure of your thinking. Devices such as paragraphing, headings, indentation, and enumeration help your reader see the major points you want to make.
Headings can convey the major topics discussed in your paper. A research report typically contains four basic components:
- Statement of the problem or theoretical question that gave rise to the research, and an explanation of why the problem or question is important to address.
- Discussion of how the research was designed to clarify the problem
- Analysis of the data or information produced by the research
- Summary and conclusion of the study
Although you could include those sections in your report without separate headings, the underlying logic of your paper will be more readily apparent with headings that identify its basic components: (1) the problem, (2) research design, (3) data analysis, (4) summary and conclusion. Obviously, you can adjust or elaborate on these generic headings depending on your topic.
Graduate Program
Master of science in political science (sm).
The MIT Political Science master's program prepares students to uncover essential insights into the workings of societies and governments in the 21st century. Master's students develop the skills and knowledge to evaluate and promote effective public policies.
How the master's program works
The one-year MIT Master of Science in Political Science is designed for students who want to build proficiency in applied research so that they can pursue successful careers in government, business, and public policy. Students interested in an academic career should read more about the PhD in Political Science .
The MIT Political Science master's program emphasizes intensive preparation in a single field of study:
- American Politics
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Models and Methods
- Political Economy
- Security Studies
Requirements
1. six subjects.
You must satisfactorily complete a minimum of six graduate subjects. At least four of those subjects must be completed here at MIT Political Science. You may take the remaining two subjects at MIT or through cross-registration at Harvard University.
2. Sixty-six units
You must satisfactorily complete a program of study of at least 66 units—42 of those units must be G-level subjects acceptable to the department.
3. Three semesters
The master's program requires a minimum of three semesters—typically fall, spring, and summer (summer tuition is subsidized by MIT).
4. Master's thesis
As a candidate for a master's degree, you must complete and defend a thesis that is approved by two members of the faculty.
You must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 in all subjects applied toward fulfillment of the requirements for your master's degree.
Questions? Consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or a member of the staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office .
Political Science: Books for Thesis Writers
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Political Science
Master of Arts (MA)
Thesis-based program
Program overview.
The Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary is among the strongest in Canada. Our scholars are pivotal in shaping political discourse in Canada and around the world, through their research and publishing in major scholarly journals, through training graduate students to become leaders in academic, public and private sector careers, and through their active participation in public debates about politics in Canada and international affairs.
Our program covers the traditional fields of political science and offers unparalleled strengths in the areas of Canadian politics, elections and voting behaviour, international law, political violence, history of political thought, gender and politics, and indigenous politics.
Students are given the tools and guidance needed to work at a high level on theoretical and practical problems of crucial political importance, domestically and globally.
Completing this program
Core Courses: Two or three courses in a primary field: Canadian politics, comparative politics, international relations or political thought.
Research Methods: Students demonstrate knowledge of research methods or complete a course on quantitative analysis in political science.
Additional Courses: Topics may include history of political thought, political theory, Canadian political process, foreign policy and more.
Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Government policy analyst, researcher, consultant, non-governmental organizations, international organizations.
A master’s degree in political science will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
Five courses
Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar
Classroom delivery
Time commitment.
Two years full time; four years maximum
A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted
See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance .
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Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree. Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Gavin Cameron
Rob Huebert
Roberta Rice
Anthony Sayers
Melanee Thomas
Admission Requirements
A minimum of 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
A four-year BA in Political Science or a strong background in Political Science: at least 5.0 full-course equivalents in Political Science.
A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted.
Additional supervisors to those listed above may be found on the Political Science Research page. Contact the Political Science Graduate Program Office for more information.
- A statement of research interests
- Email confirmation from a potential supervisor who is interested in supervising your work
Work samples
Sample of written work, preferably a paper submitted for a Political Science course.
Reference letters
Test scores, english language proficiency.
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 105.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 200.
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 15 application deadline
- International students: Jan. 15 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Are you ready to apply?
Learn more about this program, department of political science.
Social Sciences Building, Room 756 618 Campus Place NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
Contact the Graduate Program Administrator
Visit the departmental website
University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
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How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction
Published on September 7, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 21, 2023.
The introduction is the first section of your thesis or dissertation , appearing right after the table of contents . Your introduction draws your reader in, setting the stage for your research with a clear focus, purpose, and direction on a relevant topic .
Your introduction should include:
- Your topic, in context: what does your reader need to know to understand your thesis dissertation?
- Your focus and scope: what specific aspect of the topic will you address?
- The relevance of your research: how does your work fit into existing studies on your topic?
- Your questions and objectives: what does your research aim to find out, and how?
- An overview of your structure: what does each section contribute to the overall aim?
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Table of contents
How to start your introduction, topic and context, focus and scope, relevance and importance, questions and objectives, overview of the structure, thesis introduction example, introduction checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about introductions.
Although your introduction kicks off your dissertation, it doesn’t have to be the first thing you write — in fact, it’s often one of the very last parts to be completed (just before your abstract ).
It’s a good idea to write a rough draft of your introduction as you begin your research, to help guide you. If you wrote a research proposal , consider using this as a template, as it contains many of the same elements. However, be sure to revise your introduction throughout the writing process, making sure it matches the content of your ensuing sections.
Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.
Begin by introducing your dissertation topic and giving any necessary background information. It’s important to contextualize your research and generate interest. Aim to show why your topic is timely or important. You may want to mention a relevant news item, academic debate, or practical problem.
After a brief introduction to your general area of interest, narrow your focus and define the scope of your research.
You can narrow this down in many ways, such as by:
- Geographical area
- Time period
- Demographics or communities
- Themes or aspects of the topic
It’s essential to share your motivation for doing this research, as well as how it relates to existing work on your topic. Further, you should also mention what new insights you expect it will contribute.
Start by giving a brief overview of the current state of research. You should definitely cite the most relevant literature, but remember that you will conduct a more in-depth survey of relevant sources in the literature review section, so there’s no need to go too in-depth in the introduction.
Depending on your field, the importance of your research might focus on its practical application (e.g., in policy or management) or on advancing scholarly understanding of the topic (e.g., by developing theories or adding new empirical data). In many cases, it will do both.
Ultimately, your introduction should explain how your thesis or dissertation:
- Helps solve a practical or theoretical problem
- Addresses a gap in the literature
- Builds on existing research
- Proposes a new understanding of your topic
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Perhaps the most important part of your introduction is your questions and objectives, as it sets up the expectations for the rest of your thesis or dissertation. How you formulate your research questions and research objectives will depend on your discipline, topic, and focus, but you should always clearly state the central aim of your research.
If your research aims to test hypotheses , you can formulate them here. Your introduction is also a good place for a conceptual framework that suggests relationships between variables .
- Conduct surveys to collect data on students’ levels of knowledge, understanding, and positive/negative perceptions of government policy.
- Determine whether attitudes to climate policy are associated with variables such as age, gender, region, and social class.
- Conduct interviews to gain qualitative insights into students’ perspectives and actions in relation to climate policy.
To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.
I. Introduction
Human language consists of a set of vowels and consonants which are combined to form words. During the speech production process, thoughts are converted into spoken utterances to convey a message. The appropriate words and their meanings are selected in the mental lexicon (Dell & Burger, 1997). This pre-verbal message is then grammatically coded, during which a syntactic representation of the utterance is built.
Speech, language, and voice disorders affect the vocal cords, nerves, muscles, and brain structures, which result in a distorted language reception or speech production (Sataloff & Hawkshaw, 2014). The symptoms vary from adding superfluous words and taking pauses to hoarseness of the voice, depending on the type of disorder (Dodd, 2005). However, distortions of the speech may also occur as a result of a disease that seems unrelated to speech, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
This study aims to determine which acoustic parameters are suitable for the automatic detection of exacerbations in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by investigating which aspects of speech differ between COPD patients and healthy speakers and which aspects differ between COPD patients in exacerbation and stable COPD patients.
Checklist: Introduction
I have introduced my research topic in an engaging way.
I have provided necessary context to help the reader understand my topic.
I have clearly specified the focus of my research.
I have shown the relevance and importance of the dissertation topic .
I have clearly stated the problem or question that my research addresses.
I have outlined the specific objectives of the research .
I have provided an overview of the dissertation’s structure .
You've written a strong introduction for your thesis or dissertation. Use the other checklists to continue improving your dissertation.
If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
Research bias
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The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:
- A hook to catch the reader’s interest
- Relevant background on the topic
- Details of your research problem
and your problem statement
- A thesis statement or research question
- Sometimes an overview of the paper
Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.
This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .
Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.
They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.
Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .
Scope of research is determined at the beginning of your research process , prior to the data collection stage. Sometimes called “scope of study,” your scope delineates what will and will not be covered in your project. It helps you focus your work and your time, ensuring that you’ll be able to achieve your goals and outcomes.
Defining a scope can be very useful in any research project, from a research proposal to a thesis or dissertation . A scope is needed for all types of research: quantitative , qualitative , and mixed methods .
To define your scope of research, consider the following:
- Budget constraints or any specifics of grant funding
- Your proposed timeline and duration
- Specifics about your population of study, your proposed sample size , and the research methodology you’ll pursue
- Any inclusion and exclusion criteria
- Any anticipated control , extraneous , or confounding variables that could bias your research if not accounted for properly.
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Home > School, College, or Department > CUPA > Political Science > Theses
Political Science Masters Theses
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A Dissatisfied Partner: A Conflict - Integration Analysis of Britain's Membership in the European Union , Osman Goktug Tanrikulu
Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012
Supranationalism in the Fight Against Transnational Threats: A Comparative Study of ASEAN and EU Policy Responses to Human Trafficking , Nicholas M. Klynn
The Crisis of Cooperation: A Critical Analysis of Russian-Iranian Relations in the Post-Soviet Era , Eric D. Moore
Public Participation in Emergency Management , Jason Alexander Rood
A Strategic Model for INGO Accountability Systems , Sarah Elizabeth Wardwell
Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011
The Fourth Amendment and Cyberspace: Conflict or Cohesion? , Federico Alberto Cantón
The Institutional Development of the American Vice Presidency , James Emory Hite
African Regime Types and International Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organizations: A Comparative Study of the Relationships of Friends and Enemies. , Krista Noel Lane
From Blooming Judicial Philosophies to Castrated Legislation: Sexuality, Desire, and Nominations to the Supreme Court of the United States , Adam Michael McMahon
The Expressive Goals of Bias Crime Legislation and the Media , Louis Panush
In or Out: Interpretation of European Union Membership Criteria and its Effect on the EU Accession Process for Candidate and Potential Member States of Southeastern Europe , Ashley Marie Rasmussen
Citizenship, Duty and Virtue: A Vision of Jefferson's America , Anthony Philip Stine
Diminished Democracy? Portland Radio News/Public Affairs After the Telecom Act of 1996 , Rebecca Webb
Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010
Northeast Asia and the Avoidance of a Nuclear Arms Race , Samuel Fogleman
Regional Integration in East Asia , Amaleia E. Kolovos
Rashomon Comes to the Courtroom: the Adoption of the Lay Judge System in Japan, Its Impact on Jurisprudence, and the Implications for Civic Engagement , Bryan Matthew Thompson
Limitation Riders in the Postreform House: A Test of Procedural Cartel and Conditional Party Government Theories , Jessica Scott Tollestrup
Nihilism Unbound: Strauss, Nietzsche and Foucault as Nihilist Thinkers , Jeffrey Jacob Wade
Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007
Radicalism in American Political Thought : Black Power, the Black Panthers, and the American Creed , Christopher Thomas Cooney
Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006
Social Regulatory Policy : A Challenge to Federalism , Kimberly Janet Russell
Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004
Prospect Theory and the Cyprus Conflict: Analyzing Decisionmaking in the Turkish Cypriot President , Tarah Marie Wheeler
Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002
Presidential Domain: An Exploratory Study of Prospect Theory and US Climate Policy Since 1998 , Hal T. Nelson
Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000
International Environmental Regimes and Latin America : The Role of Environmental Non-governmental Organizations , Jennifer T. Eller
Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998
An Analysis of the Principal Arguments in Support of a Congressional Term Limit , Paul William Cadero-Smith
The Impact of Relative Gains on Interstate Cooperation in the Areas of Security and International Economy , Renato Corbetta
Free Trade, Regionalism, and the Democratic Peace Theory , Julia B. Johnson
Tocqueville’s Civic Republicanism : The Balance Between Equality and Liberty in American Democracy , Clifford Brantley Smith
Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997
The Minimal Role of Legal Traditions at the International Court of Justice , Kalley Rae Aman
Virtue, Liberty, and the Good : A Critical Analysis of Civic Republicanism , Nathan Douglas Austin
Collective Intervention in Internal Conflicts : An Examination of Why States Participate , Andrew L. Blum
Public Interest Group Politics and American Political Culture , Patrick Henry Brennan
The Reemergence of Kantian Ethics: Have We Adequately Responded to Hegel's Objections? , Gwen C. Thompson
Theses/Dissertations from 1996 1996
Oregon's Carry Concealed Weapon Laws: A Historical Review of the Right to Personal Protection , Richard Meek Bash
Neorealism and Environmental Cooperation: Towards a Structural Explanation of International Environmental Matters , Anthony David Lott
The Dangers of Nuclear Proliferation: Five Reasons More May Not Be Better , Matthew MacArthur
Theses/Dissertations from 1995 1995
Gaining State Response on Global Environmental Problem-Solving: Developing a State-centric Approach , Heather MacGregor Bothwell
Liberalism, Community, and the Context of Choice , Marta R. Colburn
Sustainable Development in the Third World: A New Paradigm? , Terry A. Gentry
Communicative Action as Feminist Epistemology , Todd Nathaniel Gilman
John Rawls, Feminism, and the Gendered Self , Lori Kinder MacArthur
Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Strategies for Self-help in Food Production, Case Study of Kenya , Dieudonne Mayi
State Cooperation on Regulatory Policies for Transboundary Environmental Issues , Jennifer Lyn Pennell
North vs. South: Sovereign Equality and the Environment in the Twentieth Century , Thomas Schlesinger
Theses/Dissertations from 1994 1994
A Study of Japan's Foreign Policy Behavior: The Discrepancy between Japan's Foreign Policy and Its Voting Behavior in the United Nations General Assembly , Atsuko Sato
Theses/Dissertations from 1993 1993
The Liberal-Communitarian Debate and the Development of a Political Conception of the Person , Kenneth Howard Biggs
Common Security: a Conceptual Blueprint for an Israeli-Palestinian Political Settlement , Robert Arthur Horenstein
The United States-Japan Security Treaty of 1951: An Essay on the Origins of Postwar Japanese-American Relation , Christopher S. Johnson
Theses/Dissertations from 1991 1991
A Comparative Analysis of U.S. Foreign Policy in Iran and the Philippines , Christina M. Blumel
Chinese Intellectual Dissidents , Meiru Liu
Theses/Dissertations from 1990 1990
John Rawls, the conception of a liberal self, and the communitarian critique , Johnathan Edward Mansfield
Politics and Education: The Nicaraguan Literacy Crusade , Teresa Squires Osborne
Theses/Dissertations from 1989 1989
An Analysis of US/Soviet Arms Control: Adding a Subsystem Perspective , Peter Millard Olson
Theses/Dissertations from 1987 1987
Hugo Grotius and the liberal tradition , Karen Diane Csajko
American Foreign Policy: The Utility of Force as an Influence, Bargaining, or Coercive Force in the Caribbean Basin , Susan M. Marandas
Theses/Dissertations from 1986 1986
Manipulation or education? : symbolic language, belief system and the Truman Doctrine , John Gunn Tilson
Theses/Dissertations from 1985 1985
Formulation of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 , Gary G. Skalangya
Theses/Dissertations from 1984 1984
Integration in West Africa : an empirical examination of ECOWAS , Stephen C. Adkisson
Theses/Dissertations from 1983 1983
Polish foreign policy and the development of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe , Keijiro Yasui
Theses/Dissertations from 1982 1982
Congressional Power and Presidential Prerogative: The War Powers Question , Gerald Michael Worley
Theses/Dissertations from 1979 1979
The political integration of the Kurds in Turkey , Kathleen Palmer Ertur
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Module structure of the Master's program in Political Science
Your opportunities
You can study our Master's program in Political Science with or without a specialization . The module overview (see picture) shows you the basic structure of the program. If you are aiming for a degree without a content focus, the module group "specialization" is omitted and the extension area increases accordingly. You can see below which concrete modules must be selected for the respective specializations .
After you have determined your focus*, you can change your focus once during your studies. To do so, contact the examination office to apply for the change of focus.
*You choose your specialization indirectly via the module registration in FlexNow: If you register for a module of a subarea as a specialization module, then this is your chosen specialization. The secretariats can easily change this assignment as long as no grade has been entered for a module. After that, it is officially a specialization change.
Our types of courses
There are three basic course types in the master's program in political science:
- Method seminar (8 ECTS-Points)
- Lecture (6 ECTS-Points)
- Main seminar (8 ECTS-Points)
Each course is assigned to one of the three course types via the general module title. Main seminars and lectures are additionally assigned to one of the six main content areas .
Detailed information on all modules as well as their learning objectives and contents can be found in the module handbook . The specific content and topics of the main seminars may vary from semester to semester. This flexible module structure allows lecturers to address and discuss current topics to a particular extent in the courses of a semester.
Modules and module groups of the specializations
The specializations described in the tables can also be found in Appendix 1 of the exam and study regulations . There you will also find a list of all existing modules with assignment to the respective subareas in Appendix 2.
Without specialization
Comparative political science, international and european politics, modern political theory, political sociology, policy analysis, computational social science.
Module Group | Modules | ECTS-Points |
---|---|---|
Methods of political science | Two modules from the area of methods of political science according to appendix 2. | 16 |
Political science submissions | Modules according to Annex 2 from at least three political science subfields, each amounting to at least 10 ECTS. | 44-74 |
Supplementary area | Free combination of modules of the student's choice from the following areas: | 0-30 |
Master thesis | Thesis on a topic from a subfield of political science | 30 |
Module Group | Modules | ECTS-Points |
---|---|---|
Methods of political science | Two modules from the area of methods of political science according to appendix 2 | 16 |
Political science specialization | Modules from the subfield of Comparative Political Science according to Appendix 2 and a maximum of one module from the subfield of Political Sociology. | 30 |
Supplementary area | Free combination of modules of the student's choice from the following areas: Modules from the political science subfields according to Appendix 2 of the Examination and Study Regulations, if not included in the module group political science specialization; | 44 |
Master thesis | Thesis on a topic from the subfield of comparative politics | 30 |
120 |
Module Group | Modules | ECTS-Points |
---|---|---|
Methods of political science | Two modules from the area of methods of political science according to appendix 2 | 16 |
Political science specialization | Modules from the subfield of International and European Politics according to Appendix 2 | 30 |
Supplementary area | Free combination of modules of the student's choice from the following areas: | 44 |
Master thesis | Thesis on a topic from the subfield of International and European Politics | 30 |
Module Group | Modules | ECTS-Points |
---|---|---|
Methods of political science | Two modules from the area of methods of political science according to appendix 2 | 16 |
Political science specialization | Modules from the subfield of political theory according to appendix 2 | 30 |
Supplementary area | Free combination of modules of the student's choice from the following areas: | 44 |
Master thesis | Thesis on a topic from the subfield of Political Theory | 30 |
Module Group | Modules | ECTS-Points |
---|---|---|
Methods of political science | 16 | |
Political science specialization | Modules from the subfield of Political Sociology and a maximum of one module from the subfield of Comparative Political Science according to Appendix 2. | 30 |
Supplementary area | Free combination of modules of the student's choice from the following areas: | 44 |
Master thesis | Thesis on a topic from the subfield of Political Sociology | 30 |
Module Group | Modules | ECTS-Points |
---|---|---|
Methods of political science | Two modules from the area of political science methods according to Appendix 2. | 16 |
Politial science specialization | Modules from the subfield Policy Analysis according to Appendix 2. | 30 |
Supplemenatry area | Free combination of modules of the student's choice from the following areas: | 44 |
Master thesis | Thesis on a topic from the subfield of Policy Analysis | 30 |
Module Group | Modules | ECTS-Points |
---|---|---|
Qualitative and quantitative methods | Two modules from the area of political science methods according to Appendix 2. | 16 |
Political science specialization | Three modules from the subfield Computational Social Science according to Appendix 2 as well as module PWM-PT-HS5 Hauptseminar: Political Theory V | 30 |
Computer science and business informatics | Modules from the subjects computer science and business informatics | 28-32 |
Supplementary area | Free combination of modules of the student's choice from the following areas: | 12-16 |
Master thesis | Thesis on a topic from the subfield of Computational Social Science | 30 |
IMAGES
COMMENTS
A list of the sources used in the thesis must be supplied which complies with the same departmental style guidelines used in the body of the thesis - this list should include only those sources cited in the thesis. 2. Structure of the thesis The thesis should be divided into logical chapters and include an introduction and a conclusion.
Labels. Thesis labels should include your name, the title, course 17, PhD or SM, the year and month (September, February, or June) of the degree, and the copy number (1, 2, 3). Labels should be affixed to each cover of the thesis. Obtain a cardboard cover for the front and back of each copy from Susan Twarog or the Institute Archives (14N-118).
In the Political Science and International Relations Department, you must write a Senior Thesis to receive departmental honors. The Senior Thesis is a process that begins in your junior year. In the spring semester of your junior year, you apply to write a thesis (see instructions below). If your proposal is approved, you register for POLS 350 ...
A Thesis. Presented to. The Faculty of the Department of Political Science. Brooklyn College _____ In Partial Fulfillment of the. Requirements for the Degree. Master of Arts. By. Your Name. Spring/Fall, Year. Fonts. The thesis should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font. Page Numbers
A master's thesis is a piece of original scholarship written under the direction of a faculty advisor. A master's thesis is similar to a doctoral dissertation, but it is generally shorter ... further research, for instance in a doctoral program in political science or another discipline, or as a researcher in a public agency. Like a good ...
Unlike papers written for most classes, an honors thesis must be a substantial piece of research, writing, and argumentation. The thesis should demonstrate the student's mastery of a major debate or problematic area within the discipline of political science, present research that addresses a major question, and show
3. Formulate a research question in a way that widens its appeal. Merely exploring a topic because it interests you is not enough; the thesis must pose a question that subsequent research attempts to answer or resolve. This question should be framed in a general way that highlights its importance.
The Master thesis in political science is an original research project in which students demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the courses. The master thesis is supervised by a supervisor. In case you plan to write your thesis under the supervision of a member ...
Master of Science in Political Science (SM) ... Master's thesis. As a candidate for a master's degree, you must complete and defend a thesis that is approved by two members of the faculty. 5. 3.5 GPA. You must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 in all subjects applied toward fulfillment of the requirements for your master's degree.
The Thesis. An original research project of 50 to 70 pages, the thesis is based on an argument and research on a major issue in international or comparative politics. Students have tackled a wide range of subjects, ranging from women's rights in Africa to political conflict in the Middle East to climate change in China. In selecting a subject ...
A Concise Guide to Writing a Thesis or Dissertation by Halyna M. Kornuta; Ron W. Germaine A Concise Guide to Writing a Thesis or Dissertation provides clear, succinct, and intentional guidelines about organizing and writing a thesis or dissertation. Part I provides an overview for writing a thesis or dissertation. It describes the big picture of planning and formatting a research study, from ...
Department of Government Faculty of Arts and Sciences Harvard University. Guide to Writing a Senior Thesis in GovernmentPeople become interested in the study of politics in response to an unacknowledged fantasy: they see themselves as occupying seats of power. There have always been rulers and ruled, and the former radiate glamour as they i.
The Master's degree in Political Science is intended to prepare students for academic careers in research and teaching, and professional careers in public service or the private sector. It may thus serve the needs of both students and practitioners of government, politics, and business. The program is designed to introduce the student to both ...
The following outlines a method for beginning an M.Phil/Ph.D thesis, since the criteria of originality are more stringent for the award of these degrees. However, those beginning an MA dissertation may find the following useful. 1. Source Research The march of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The first step in writing a dissertation
Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis. Outcomes. Government policy analyst, researcher, consultant, non-governmental organizations, international organizations. A master's degree in political science will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.
This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organizational structure of your thesis or dissertation. This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline. ... Tegan is an American based in Amsterdam, with master's degrees in political science and education administration. While she ...
Institute of Political Science Chair of International Relations and Transnational Politics Guidelines for Master's Thesis 2 If you wish to write a Master's thesis with supervision of the IR department: - Please approach the supervisor at the IR department and arrange an appointment at a minimum of 4 weeks before registration is due at the Examinations Office.
Master Thesis Structure Political Science - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Writing a master's thesis in political science requires extensive research, critical analysis, and clear articulation of ideas. It serves as a demonstration of a student's ability to deeply engage with a specific topic in their field.
2) The Literature Review. • Focus on scholarly (peer-reviewed) sources: instructors will usually provide guidelines to let you know the minimum number of books and peer-reviewed articles. • The lit review is both the hardest and easiest part of a research proposal. o It's easiest in the sense that it's pretty easy to do a search on ...
Islamic Studies, Political Science: Kevin Aslett. 2020. "The Effect of Economic Policies/Behavior on Contemporary Threats to Democracy" Graduate, Dissertations: Political Economy, Political Psychology, Political Science: William Andrew Kidd Gochberg. 2020. "Socially Embedded Property Rights in Africa" Graduate, Dissertations
Overview of the structure. To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.
Theses/Dissertations from 2018. PDF. Using the Syrian Civil War to Measure Hierarchy: Regional Power Transition in the Middle East, Eric Michael Clary. PDF. Understanding ASEAN : An Alternative Approach to International Relations Theory in Asia, Ryan Grimstad Driver.
There are three basic course types in the master's program in political science: Method seminar (8 ECTS-Points) Lecture (6 ECTS-Points) Main seminar (8 ECTS-Points) Each course is assigned to one of the three course types via the general module title. Main seminars and lectures are additionally assigned to one of the six main content areas.